Mar 7, 2012 3 min read

Dear Heloise: A hint that I do when I’m doing a lot of baking: When something uses several eggs, I STEAL AN EGG WHITE and freeze it to use later in something, like divinity, that uses only the whites. — Helen in Madison, Ala.

Helen, this is a useful hint. Readers, here’s how to freeze your egg whites: Break and separate your eggs, making sure there is NO yolk in the whites. Place the egg whites in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to label the number of whites and the date. You even can freeze individual egg whites in an ice-cube tray and then transfer to a larger container. Use the thawed egg whites in dishes that you are cooking. — Heloise

REMOVING ODORS

Dear Readers: There are many different hints you have sent in through the years about removing onion odor from your hands. Here’s a sample of what we have received:

n Rub your hands on anything in your kitchen that is made of stainless steel.

n Wash your hands with shaving cream.

n Rub salt over your hands and rinse with cold water.

n Place a small dab of toothpaste on your fingertips, rub and rinse.

n Use lemon, vinegar or a sprinkle of baking soda in your hands to scrub, and then rinse!

— Heloise

STORING POTATOES

Dear Heloise: What is the best way to store potatoes? — Erin M., Hammond, Ind.

There are several hints for storing potatoes. The United States Potato Board states that potatoes should be kept in a cool (45-55 degrees Fahrenheit), ventilated space. Keep them out of bright light, and don’t wash them before storing.

Potatoes stored at room temperature will last a week or so, but in a paper bag or perforated plastic bag, the shelf life will be longer.

Do not store potatoes in the refrigerator! The starch in the potato converts to sugar, and the green on the skin is a reaction to too much light. Cut away slight greening before cooking. — Heloise

SEND A GREAT HINT TO:

Heloise

P.O. Box 795000

San Antonio, TX 78279-5000

Fax: 210-HELOISE

Email: Heloise@Heloise.com

CHINA-CABINET LIGHT

Dear Heloise: Most glass-fronted china or curio cabinets have lights inside them. Very rarely are they regularly lit, because you have to go to the cabinet itself and turn the switch on. I installed a timer so that the light will come on by itself and highlight some of the special items for a few hours each night. — Ann G., via email

COCOA STORAGE

Dear Heloise: Have you ever needed to get some cocoa out for a recipe? The metal cans have openings that are too small to put measuring spoons into. So, I take the cocoa and transfer it into a handy plastic container with a tightfitting lid. Now, it’s a snap to measure out the amount I need! — Dee Dee D., via email

EASY CUT

Dear Heloise: Using a round nylon or plastic pizza cutter does a good job of cutting brownies and does not leave a mark on the pan, like a metal knife might. — Harlan in Minnesota